Women's Studies in Religion

The program for Women's Studies in Religion affirms the Graduate Theological Union's long-standing commitment to women's studies in theology and religion. It builds upon the network of academic and community centers, as well as initiatives established by GTU member schools and affiliates, for the study and support of women in religion. The program recognizes the innovative work contributed by women faculty in theological and religious disciplines.

Program Info

The program for Women's Studies in Religion affirms the Graduate Theological Union's long-standing commitment to women's studies in theology and religion.

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Certificate Requirements

The Women’s Studies in Religion certificate program is designed so it is possible to complete the requirements in a single year.

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Resources

Forms, suggested courses, and other helpful information related to the Women's Studies in Religion program.

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Introducing the New Chair of the Women's Studies in Religion program

Welcome Dr. Mahjabeen Dhala

WSR is delighted welcome Dr. Mahjabeen Dhala, incoming chair of the WSR program at the GTU. Dr. Dhala is Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies and Director of the Madrasa-Midrasha program. Her work explores the voices of premodern Muslim female theologians and scholar-activists and their impact on the lived experiences of contemporary Muslim women. She represents and advances GTU’s commitment to interreligious study and support of women in religion as member of the organizing committee of the Women’s Caucus at the American Academy of Religion/ Society for Biblical Languages. Her publications draw on the WSR seminar to highlight embodied and transformational feminist pedagogies.

Celebrating Women Scholars of the GTU

GTU Women's Voices Campaign

The GTU boasts one of the largest contingents of female theology students and alumnae in the country--and our Women's Voices Campaign offered more than 30 graduates an opportunity to share their GTU stories. We are proud of the work of our female scholars--past, present, and future--and proud to be an educational community where women can thrive and flourish.

Video

WSR Panel: "Raising Our Voices in a Turbulent Time"

On November 2, 2017, the GTU Women's Studies in Religion program presented "Raising Our Voices in a Turbulent Time," a panel discussion featuring Leslie Bowling-Dyer (GTU doctoral student in Historical and Cultural Studies of Religion), Dr. Sharon Fennema (assistant professor of worship at PSR), Dr. Valerie Miles-Tribble (associate professor of ministerial leadership and practical theology at ABSW), Jennifer Owens-Jofré (GTU doctoral candidate in Interdisciplinary Studies), and Dr. Rita Sherma (director of the GTU Center for Dharma Studies).

GTU Voices

Know Your Why

"When the steering committee for our GTU’s Women’s Studies in Religion Program had its first meeting of Spring 2019, we set aside the majority of our time to talk about our whys: Why Women’s Studies in Religion at the GTU? Why is this work important?" WSR Chair Jennifer Davidson shares some of the responses.

Read Our Spring 2019 Issue Online

Skylight Celebrates Interreligious Teaching Team

In the Spring 2019 Skylight, you'll meet two Newhall student scholars who are bringing an interreligious approach to Women's Studies at the GTU, read a profile of alum of the year Greg Sterling, and learn about our innovative Sustainability 360 Initiative. Plus, find out about a new GTU journal and an upcoming sacred music festival, and get news updates from our centers, schools, and art galleries.

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Annual WSR Mentoring Event

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Annual GTU Student Conferences on Women and Religion

GTUx Presents

Women's Bodies and the Sacred

In this unique offering, the GTUx cameras capture five women scholars of five different religious traditions in moderated, unscripted discussions about women's bodies in relation to tradition, sacred texts, agency, history, sexuality, piety, motherhood, and more.